I agree. This is their most consistent album, and it just has a warm rustic sound that's not as present on their later albums. It will be interesting to see your reactions to Crack-Up and Shore. They definitely take a different turn musically, but they have some of the highest peaks imo.
This album is definitely the more accessible album compared to Helplessness Blues, it's a lot more streamlined and rootsy and focused on the instrumental soundscape and the themes. It really is such a warm album. They're pretty different albums, but I love them equally, though this one holds a special place in my heart for how it blew me away when I first heard it, and how it ushered folk back into the scene. All of their albums have their own niche (Crack-up being a jazzy folk rock album, for instance), and they've just never put out a dud. I highly recommend the live show he did during quarantine in the church (A Very Lonely Solstice), maybe not reaction-worthy, but it's just a very lovely stripped back concert. It's also interesting you mention his vocals and give him a lot of props there, he was insecure about his vocals early in his career, and tended to fall back into the harmonies when he could live. It's nice to hear some appreciation for him, he's an underrated singer.
@user-ri9qp7xf8w HB has more cerebral lyrics for the most part, and applies some more complex instrumentals in service of themes. These elements can fe difficult for listeners to digest on a 1st listen, and lend themselves to repeated listens to get the most out of them. Whereas the S/T is simpler lyrically, and less musically challenging (if similarly complex, just in a more digestible way). It's easier to listen to and understand, its complex elements are ones that are more common in folk and rock, so more accessible and recognizable to listeners without watering down the themes and concepts being expressed. For instance, the instrumental storytelling in The Shrine/An Argument, with its music conflicting with the vocals & lyrics throughout to further express the irreconcilable differences between them...there's nothing close to that on the self titled album. HB is where the band take application of music theory and thematic cohesion and kick it up a few notches. As to whether either album has more excellent tracks, that's a matter of subjective taste. The difference in complexity is not, and is why the self titled album is more accessible, and why HB is more accessible than Crack-Up.
From my recollection the bon iver album and this album came out around the same time. I remember switching off listening to the two debut albums. Memories
hey guys great reaction!! Fleet foxes - shore has got to be your next reaction. It's my favourite from them. And we need some beach house on this channel. A good starting point is their album 'bloom'. Keep up the good work
See them live when they come around. They're amazing live. I probably commented the same on another reaction of yours but whatever. Do it. You won't regret it!
Robin Pecknold was 22 when he recorded this. I still can't believe such mature songwriting can come from a person that young.
Blue Ridge Mountains.... so good! 💗
I genuinely believe Robin Pecknold is one of the greatest vocalists of our generation. His voice feels like home.
I love this album. Its probably my 3rd favorite Fleet Foxes album. My favorite is their most ambitious, Crack-Up. That thing is mind blowing.
I agree. This is their most consistent album, and it just has a warm rustic sound that's not as present on their later albums.
It will be interesting to see your reactions to Crack-Up and Shore. They definitely take a different turn musically, but they have some of the highest peaks imo.
I agree with you guys that the self-titled is better based on just one listen. HB has more staying power though.
This album is definitely the more accessible album compared to Helplessness Blues, it's a lot more streamlined and rootsy and focused on the instrumental soundscape and the themes. It really is such a warm album. They're pretty different albums, but I love them equally, though this one holds a special place in my heart for how it blew me away when I first heard it, and how it ushered folk back into the scene. All of their albums have their own niche (Crack-up being a jazzy folk rock album, for instance), and they've just never put out a dud. I highly recommend the live show he did during quarantine in the church (A Very Lonely Solstice), maybe not reaction-worthy, but it's just a very lovely stripped back concert.
It's also interesting you mention his vocals and give him a lot of props there, he was insecure about his vocals early in his career, and tended to fall back into the harmonies when he could live. It's nice to hear some appreciation for him, he's an underrated singer.
Besides White Winter Hymnal, HB is definitely more accessible. Almost every song on HB hits, can’t say the same with their self titled tho
@user-ri9qp7xf8w HB has more cerebral lyrics for the most part, and applies some more complex instrumentals in service of themes. These elements can fe difficult for listeners to digest on a 1st listen, and lend themselves to repeated listens to get the most out of them.
Whereas the S/T is simpler lyrically, and less musically challenging (if similarly complex, just in a more digestible way). It's easier to listen to and understand, its complex elements are ones that are more common in folk and rock, so more accessible and recognizable to listeners without watering down the themes and concepts being expressed.
For instance, the instrumental storytelling in The Shrine/An Argument, with its music conflicting with the vocals & lyrics throughout to further express the irreconcilable differences between them...there's nothing close to that on the self titled album. HB is where the band take application of music theory and thematic cohesion and kick it up a few notches.
As to whether either album has more excellent tracks, that's a matter of subjective taste. The difference in complexity is not, and is why the self titled album is more accessible, and why HB is more accessible than Crack-Up.
A great roadtrip album ❤️ one of my favorites
This album is amazing. Glad you guys feel the same. It's truly special.
Edit: My favorite part of Meadowlarks is where he hums like a hummingbird.
From my recollection the bon iver album and this album came out around the same time. I remember switching off listening to the two debut albums. Memories
hey guys great reaction!! Fleet foxes - shore has got to be your next reaction. It's my favourite from them. And we need some beach house on this channel. A good starting point is their album 'bloom'. Keep up the good work
Seconding the Shore rec, and some Beach House love
You guys have sm potential and i think you found a great niche for yourselves :), you guys got some great takes
See them live when they come around. They're amazing live. I probably commented the same on another reaction of yours but whatever. Do it. You won't regret it!
I suggest “Emotions” by Mariah Carey, I don’t know if you are still doing the wheel thing. Anyway I liked your reaction !!!❤